Machine Tool Imaging for Fast Workpiece Edge Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring workpieces in machine tools are time-consuming and inefficient, particularly when using touch probes, which struggle with fine shapes and orientation measurements, and imaging methods lack clarity on camera placement and image capture processes.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device that uses an imaging unit attached to a machine tool to image a workpiece, allowing for edge detection and length calculation from two-dimensional images, enabling high-speed measurement without the need for workpiece removal or complex probe movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a touch probe is used to measure the workpiece, then the measurement can be performed during machining, but the measurement speed is slow due to required approach motions and main shaft movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical touch probe measurement system with an optical imaging system. Instead of using a physical probe that requires mechanical approach motions and main shaft movements, the invention uses an imaging device to capture images of the workpiece and calculates measurements through image processing and coordinate transformations, thereby eliminating the time-consuming mechanical movements while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy (image) of the workpiece using an imaging device. By capturing the workpiece image and processing it through coordinate transformations, the system obtains measurement data without physically contacting or mechanically approaching the workpiece, thus achieving fast measurement while preserving accuracy
2Measurement precision
If a touch probe is used to measure fine shapes and orientations, then measurement during machining is possible, but the touch probe cannot accurately measure fine shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical touch probe with an optical imaging system that can capture fine details of the workpiece. The imaging device records the workpiece image, and through coordinate transformation and image processing, accurately measures fine shapes and orientations without the limitations of mechanical probe resolution and approach requirements
3Productivity
If an imaging device is used to capture workpiece images, then measurement speed is improved, but the location of camera installation and image capture method are unclear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the imaging device attachable to the main shaft, allowing it to serve multiple functions: imaging the workpiece during machining operations and performing measurements. The system can capture images at various positions along the machining path, eliminating the need for separate measurement setups and simplifying the overall process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the imaging device to capture workpiece images and processes these images through coordinate transformations to obtain measurement data. The system provides feedback by comparing measured values with target values, enabling automatic adjustment and control during the machining process
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing device to process a two-dimensional image generated by an imaging unit in a machine tool including an attachment unit to which the imaging unit or a tool is attachable, the attachment unit moving to image an image of a workpiece placed in the machine tool, the imaging unit imaging the image of the workpiece at an imaging position, the information processing device including a computation unit for (i) calculating a position of the workpiece based on an image imaged after the imaging unit has moved to a predetermined position based on machine coordinates of the machine tool, and (ii) detecting an edge of the workpiece from the two-dimensional image imaged by the imaging unit at an imaging position after the imaging unit has been moved from the predetermined position to the imaging position, and calculating a length of the workpiece from detected edges.